EXCLUSIVE | Bennet Mnguni urges Mamelodi Sundowns to treat every CAF Champions League match as a final

Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Bennet Mnguni believes the South African giants are up against a demanding CAF Champions League group and must tackle each match with maximum intensity to stand a chance of securing a historic second continental title.

Sundowns are set to play their second group-stage fixture away from home against Algerian Ligue 1 side MC Alger this Friday. They began this phase of the tournament with a solid, yet hard-earned, 3-1 victory over DR Congo’s Saint Eloi Lupopo last Saturday.

While that win provided a good start, the upcoming clash in Algeria promises to be far tougher and could play a pivotal role in Sundowns’ pursuit of the knockout rounds.

The Brazilians have been impressive in this stage of the competition, converting all six of their recent attempts successfully, including last season’s run to the final. Mnguni insists that none of these matches have carried more significance than the one against MC Alger.

Having also competed in the Uefa Champions League with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, Mnguni understands the demands of continental football. He believes that despite Sundowns being favourites in Group C, they cannot afford to underestimate any side. 

As the defending champions, Sundowns are the hunted team in the group and must approach each game with intensity and focus.

“Each and every team will be like a cup final, we do not take any team lightly or as normal games,” Mnguni told the Independent Newspapers.

“Even playing at home, we play as if we are playing a final because each and every team wants to beat Sundowns. Once you become a champion, everyone wants to prove themselves by beating the champion.

“There are no easy games. This is football, you can have a team with a lot of quality players, and they still beat you. It's about how you conduct yourself and the professionalism and entering the field looking to win the game.”

The upcoming match has also been framed around Mokwena returning to face up against Sundowns, the club he previously coached. But Mnguni believes that history won’t give him any meaningful advantage in this encounter.

“I do not think Rulani being with Sundowns previously will give him an advantage, the boys are professional and they will be playing as the professionals they are.

“I was a player and whenever I played against anyone that was my friend, I always wanted to make sure that I get the better of that opponent.”

The Algerian side is already under pressure following a 2-1 loss to Al Hilal, which has put them on the back foot. The Algerian outfit cannot afford consecutive defeats, as that would seriously damage their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

With the Brazilians better placed with their opening win, Mnguni stressed that they must aim to surpass their showing last season and secure a second CAF Champions League title.

“It’s a new season, and each and every season comes with its own luck, good or bad. We are hoping we can win the final this season and have that second star. It would be nice to have that because that would mean we are the only side to win the tournament twice.”